Opening bell 27 June

New Delhi: Falling crude prices and easing Greek debt concerns have revived investor interest in Indian equities. Meanwhile, the government has also done its bit by increasing sugar exports quota and raising fuel prices. Here’s a list of things to watch out for before trading starts.

Cues from the global markets are mixed. Crude oil prices are falling. As the International Energy Agency prepares to release more stockpiles, Brent crude has fallen to $104.93 a barrel.

Asian stocks also opened weak. Stock markets in Japan fell after the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision raised capital adequacy requirements for the world’s biggest lenders. The Nikkei is down 1.03%.

Over the weekend, stocks in the US also slumped on concerns that debt crisis in the European region might intensify. The S&P 500 lost 1.17% as investors sold stocks of banks such as JP Morgan Chase and Bank of America.

Ballard Power Systems is reportedly eyeing a 10% stake in Adani Power. At current market prices the deal is valued at around $500 million. Read more...-

Rising visa costs might impact margins of Tech Mahindra. The company’s CFO has warned that visa costs after the UK, US and Switzerland changed norms.

In an ambitious expansion drive, ICICI Bank is aiming to add 1,500 branches over four years. With the opening of new branches the bank is looking to mobilise funds at a lower cost.

NMDC was not able to acquire mines of Kolmar Coal Co. The Russian firm sold 51% stake in the mine to oil trader Gunvor International BV. NMDC has been eyeing the deal since last year.

Emami is in talks to buy the personal care business of Paras Healthcare. Last year, British consumer goods firm Reckitt Benckiser had acquired Paras Pharmaceuticals for Rs 3,260 crore. But Reckitt Benckiser is looking to sell the personal care business of Paras Healthcare for an estimated Rs 900 crore.

Tata Steel is looking to use the Rs 5,030 crore it earned from the sale of its 26.3% stake in Australia’s Riversdale Mining to fund expansion plans. The company expects to expand annual domestic capacity to 16 million tonnes by 2016.

In another report, Tata Steel and SAIL JV are planning to set up 1.8-million-tonnes per annum coal washery in Jharkhand. The washery is estimated to cost 200 crore. Read more..

Finally, Zoos in the US are attracting more visitors by allowing sleepovers. The overnight stays have not only become popular with young children but have also become a hit amongst young adults. The overnight stay includes a night tour, midnight snack and breakfast. Read more...